Dangerous Wonder (with Discussion Guide) [Paperback]

Michael Yaconelli (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 16, 2003

Recapture the joy of being a child and apply it to your relationship with God. Ask the difficult questions about faith, then just take Jesus at His word.

Includes discussion guide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Playfully written with both humorous and honest stories from his life, Dangerous Wonder provokes readers into looking at Christianity in a whole new light. -- Frontline CBA, January 1999

This book is filled with wonderful stories to remind us what childlike faith looks and feels like, and it challenges the Christian status quo. We are told to take risks, to wonder, to love passionately, and to experience God's indiscriminate grace...Dangerous Wonder is a must-read. Many youths in my church think Jesus never laughed and the Christian life is boring. That breaks my heart. My mission now is to liberate these teens in any way I can. This book will help! -- Youthworker, January/February 1999

The other day I wore my son's board shorts on my head. The cord hung undecorously behind my ear and the legs ballooned out behind. My nearly eight-year-old came down from his room and placed his swimmers on my head while I was eating breakfast and reading Dangerous Wonder. I normally would have removed them and ordered him to get ready for school, but I was reading that book. So I left them on ...If none of this makes sense to you, then you urgently need to read Dangerous Wonder...If people read it they might sell everything and give it to the poor, or dance with all their might in church, or wear swimmers on their head. They might stop what they are doing and, for the first time since they were nearly eight, do nothing but enjoy life. And suddenly find that God is there enjoying it with them. -- Peter Hallett, Alive, May 1999

This is the sort of book which can and will change lives. It is so refreshing to read someone who communicates passionately through words and images. I, for one, hope to find the courage to follow the invitation to childlike discipleship-a "jump-first-fear-later" faith. -- Donald Macaskill, Life & Work, February 1999 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

JUMP FIRST. FEAR LATER. Remember the thrill of thinking you could fly? The adventure of going places in your imagination? The joy and abandon of running and jumping and playing hard-without worrying about what "might" happen? In Dangerous Wonder, Michael Yaconelli invites you to recapture the joy of being a child and apply it to your relationship with God. You'll be encouraged to ask difficult questions about faith and take Jesus at His word when He says, "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." If you're looking for the joy and freedom of faith, Dangerous Wonder will open your eyes and your life to the possibility of an exciting adventure in relationship with God. This new edition now includes a discussion guide to help you experience an even deeper relationship with God, filled with wonder and awe.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: NavPress; 2 edition (September 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576834816
• ISBN-13: 978-1576834817
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.5 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Yaconelli has been in the ministry for forty-two years, both as a pastor and a minister to students. He is the lay pastor of Grace Community Church, owner and cofounder of Youth Specialties, former editor of "The Door", and the author of Dangerous Wonder. He lives in Yreka, California.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Find God through beginning/renewing a Childlike Faith November 11, 1998

By Timothy P. Sandifer

Format:Hardcover

Through his Youth Specialties publications, previous work in THE DOOR magazine, and other writings, Mike Yaconelli has always tackled issues in very fresh, non-conventional ways. His willingness to challenge us to see things differently has enabled me to continue to believe that God is worth pursuing, even when most Christians were unknowingly persuading me otherwise. The same holds true here in this incredibly powerful book.

If you are tired of hearing the same cliches and thoughtless pragmatism of most current Christian authors (such as "5 Easy Steps to a Happy, Spirit-Filled Life"), let Mike help you rediscover the true nature of what Christianity is intended to be. Mike highlights the importance of doubt, questions, wonder, mystery, passion, honesty, and "wild abandon" to God... themes that are seldom spoken of in Christian circles today but are in desperate need of inclusion. Christians who may have become stale (and boring) in their persuit of God can rediscover the joy and wonder of what drew them to Christ in the first place. And for new or potential Christians who may not be corrupted yet by the current version of happy, quick-fix, Americanized Christianity, here's a chance for you to start on the right foot. Skip the fluffy stuff. Yac is back.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Find God through beginning/renewing a Childlike Faith February 17, 2000

By Timothy P. Sandifer

Format:Paperback

Through his Youth Specialties publications, previous work in THE DOOR magazine, and other writings, Mike Yaconelli has always tackled issues in very fresh, non-conventional ways. His willingness to challenge us to see things differently has enabled me to continue to believe that God is worth pursuing, even when most Christians were unknowingly persuading me otherwise. The same holds true here in this incredibly powerful book.

If you are tired of hearing the same cliches and thoughtless pragmatism of most current Christian authors (such as "5 Easy Steps to a Happy, Spirit-Filled Life"), let Mike help you rediscover the true nature of what Christianity is intended to be. Mike highlights the importance of doubt, questions, wonder, mystery, passion, honesty, and "wild abandon" to God... themes that are seldom spoken of in Christian circles today but are in desperate need of inclusion. Christians who may have become stale (and boring) in their persuit of God can rediscover the joy and wonder of what drew them to Christ in the first place. And for new or potential Christians who may not be corrupted yet by the current version of happy, quick-fix, Americanized Christianity, here's a chance for you to start on the right foot. Skip the fluffy stuff. Yac is back.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Thankful for this book October 30, 2003

By Michael Taulbee

Format:Paperback

I just learned that Mike Yaconelli died in an auto accident today. His death reminded me of how much I enjoyed his book Dangerous Wonder.

His journey into a "Childlike Faith" was very well written and gave a good insight into some of the missing aspects of today's Christian. I recommend this book to any Christian who is seeking a renewed wonder.

Thank you Mike for your wonderful book, your work with Youth Specialties, and your faithful work. You will be missed.

"A four year old girl leans into her baby sister's crib and whispers 'Baby, remind me what God sounds like, I am starting to forget.'"

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspired... June 2, 2000

By jen cook

Format:Paperback

if you're longing to skip down the halls of the sanctuary that is your heart...

if you're looking for recess for the soul...

if you've kept the faith but lost the passion...

this is the book for you! it will make you laugh. it will make you cry. you will close the book with a new outlook on Jesus and a clearer picture of faith...

a must read!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars God I challenge you to a game of Hide and Seek! November 5, 2003

By Lianne Timmermans

Format:Paperback

Hey all,

This is an amazing book. However if you are looking for a deep thelogical description of what a child like faith is this book isn't for you. For that matter if you want anything deep and theological, find a different author. Mike writes for your everday people. He writings are for people who want a break from acadamia and want somthing that is just plain and simple.
This book capture real life examples of childlike faith. It show how boring life is with out the carefreeness of childhood. It makes you want to go out and revive the passion and naivity of childhood. It makes you long to play with God.
I love this book it made me realize that my life is boring and needs some passion in it. I have long ingored the call of My savior to come out and play. I have grown accustomed to the noise of this world and have forgotten what the quiet wisper of God sound like. If you can relate then this book is for you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Something we could all learn from.... February 7, 2006

By Em J.

Format:Paperback

After reading this even part way, I just had to share about it at church just because I think it rings so true. If we can't all be in awe of God every moment of the day, something has gone wrong in us...we have become too comfortable & complacent. Michael reminds us of the innocence and awe of children and that even Christ says that we must have a faith like that to come to Him....and yet somehow we insist on being serious & rigid.

It is sad if someone reads this book and can get nothing out of it.....you might be too far gone if you can't catch the need for us to have awe and amazement for our Creator in daily things from dew on the grass - to the love of a friend. May you take the challenge to find innocence in your heart again!

This book may be an easy read, but it is contageous & is now circulating amongst my friends. This book is good for brand new believers as well as those of us who've been on the path for a while.